Overview
Panic disorder involves repeated, unexpected panic attacks — sudden surges of intense fear with strong physical symptoms — followed by ongoing worry about having more. The attacks peak within minutes and can feel like a heart attack, though they are not dangerous in themselves. It responds well to treatment.
Symptoms
- Sudden episodes of intense fear or dread
- Pounding or racing heart, chest tightness
- Shortness of breath or choking sensation
- Sweating, trembling, dizziness or tingling
- Fear of losing control or of dying during an attack
- Avoiding places where attacks might happen
Causes & risk factors
- Genetic and family-history factors
- Heightened stress sensitivity or major life stress
- Differences in brain regions that regulate fear
- Caffeine, stimulants or substance use can trigger attacks
Treatment & self-care
Treatment usually involves talking therapy that retrains the response to physical sensations, sometimes with medication a clinician prescribes and monitors. A doctor first rules out physical causes, then a psychiatrist or psychologist guides recovery.
See a doctor urgently if
- You have repeated panic attacks or constant worry about them
- Attacks cause you to avoid normal activities
- Chest pain, severe breathlessness or fainting (seek emergency care to rule out heart problems)
- You have thoughts of self-harm
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number — do not wait for an online consultation.